HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 16: Assam joined the nation in celebrating the 79th Independence Day on Friday with vibrant programmes, flag hoistings, cultural showcases, felicitation of achievers and pledges towards development across the districts.
Government officials, ministers, political leaders, security forces, students and citizens participated in large numbers, reaffirming unity and patriotism.
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In Kokrajhar, the central programme of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) was organised by the district administration at Govt. HS & MP School parade ground where BTR Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pramod Boro hoisted the National Flag.
He took the salute from contingents of police, NCC and students, besides paying homage at Swahid Bedi. Addressing the gathering, Boro highlighted the region’s progress since the BTR Peace Accord, emphasising all-round development, corruption-free governance and community harmony.
He also mentioned initiatives like the Bodoland Happiness Mission and Community Vision Document. Awards were presented to meritorious students and achievers.
Similar celebrations were held in Udalguri, where Deputy CEM Gobinda Chandra Basumatary unfurled the Tricolour.
In Sivasagar, Finance and WCD Minister Ajanta Neog unfurled the flag at Boarding Field and took the salute from 18 contingents.
Paying tributes to Dr Bhupen Hazarika, she urged citizens to remain united against divisive forces.
In neighbouring Charaideo, power minister Jogen Mohan hoisted the flag at Sonari, announcing major initiatives including the upcoming Sonari Medical College.
Both districts witnessed cultural performances and patriotic songs.
In Silchar, Barak Valley Development Minister Kaushik Rai led the celebrations, highlighting rapid infrastructure growth under CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, including the ₹24,000 crore Barapani–Panchgram Expressway, Barak Valley Secretariat and Dolu Greenfield Airport.
He also announced new healthcare projects, including a superspeciality hospital.
Floral tributes were paid at Gandhibagh Martyrs’ Memorial, while sweets were distributed in hospitals and jails. Independence Day was also observed in Lakhipur and Dholai.
At Diphu in Karbi Anglong, the district administration felicitated journalist Kamrul Khan with the Progressive Farmers & Entrepreneur Award for his contributions to journalism, culture and sustainable agriculture.
Recognised for pioneering antibiotic-free poultry farming and promoting organic crops, Khan described his journey as an effort to inspire youth towards sustainable livelihoods.
The award was presented in the presence of KAAC CEM Tuliram Ronghang, Diphu MLA Bidyasing Engleng and MP Amarsing Tisso.
In Biswanath Chariali, Assam Rifles celebrated Independence Day at Battalion HQ, Lokra, with a ceremonial march-past involving over 300 personnel.
The programme concluded with patriotic songs and interaction among troops.
The spirit of freedom was equally visible in Demow, where the newly formed co-district hosted its first Independence Day celebration at the Public Playground.
Co-District Commissioner Meenakshi Permey hoisted the National Flag, while police, NCC, Scouts and Guides took part in the parade. Families of freedom fighters and other dignitaries were felicitated.
In Margherita, Co-District Commissioner Pratibha Meshram unfurled the Tricolour, followed by cultural performances by students and prize distribution for parade winners.
In West Karbi Anglong, the Indian National Congress organised a Tiranga Yatra from Dongkamukam to Kheroni Road, led by district leaders including Augustine Enghee and ex-EMs Sing Teron and Ashok Teron.
The rally voiced opposition to alleged land policies, calling for protection of tribal lands.
Across the state, government offices, security forces, political parties and local organisations organised flag hoistings, cultural events and community outreach activities.
The celebrations echoed a common spirit — honouring sacrifices of freedom fighters while pledging to build a peaceful, inclusive and progressive Assam.
